Derby injury concerns eased for Ricoh trip

07 September 2011 09:50

Viewed : 41

Striker out, trio return Saturday's visitors to The Ricoh for the televised tea time kick off Derby County have been boosted by the return to fitness of three key players, but will probably still be without striker Nathan Tyson. Tyson, who joined The Rams during the summer picked up a groin strain in pre-season and has yet to make a start for Derby. He has returned to training, but the Coventry game will probably be too soon for him. Derby manager Nigel Clough said, "With a groin injury, it is not so much the straight running, it is once they start twisting and turning. At this stage he is doing a little bit of that and everything is looking positive." "I think we have to look at it and make sure he does not suffer a setback. We are looking at the next batch of five matches. Nathan will be fit for some part of that but there is no point rushing him back for the first one and then he misses the next four." "As much as we can, we will make sure he is 100 per cent before we bring him back in. Coventry might come a little bit too soon. Ironically, he has more chance of being available for the game against Nottingham Forest, his old club. It's strange how these things happen." In better news for Clough, Steve Davies, Jamie Ward and Kevin Kilbane are all expected to be fit to play some part in the encounter. Clough said, "We're confident they will be available this weekend." Coventry will be without striker Freddy Eastwood and midfielders Gary Deegan and David Bell, but may have strikers Gary McSheffrey and Clive Platt and defenders James McPake and Nathan Cameron back from injury. He will also have his new signing striker Cody McDonald.